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Top Things to Do At Montpelier This Weekend

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You survived the first three days of the week and are taking on Thursday with full force. As noon approaches, your mind begins to drift. Suddenly you realize the weekend is coming. You get a burst of energy and conquer one more task on your list, relishing the prospect of two days away from the grind. Your mind goes into planning mode. What will you do this weekend?

Here at Montpelier, we know you are busy. To help with your planning, we developed a list of “Top Things to Do At Montpelier This Weekend”:

Civil War Weekend

August 17–19

Montpelier’s popular Civil War Weekend will return August 17-19 with new events and family fun. Civil War Weekend immerses guests in the experiences of General Samuel McGowan’s South Carolina Brigade, which encamped at Montpelier during the winter of 1863-1864. Civil War Weekend will feature Candlelight Camp Tours, the Civil War Ladies’ Fashion Show, weapons demonstrations, and more! Visit the Montpelier website for a full schedule.

Family Friendly Tour

August 18, 11:00 a.m.

Create a memorable family visit to the home of the Father of the Constitution. Join other families as you tour Montpelier—focused on the fun stuff. Reserve your tickets online.

Gospel Concert & Poetry Reading

August 18 (Sat.), Noon

Visit the Gilmore Cabin: A Freedman’s Home to hear an uplifting suite of Gospel music by the choirs of Little Zion Baptist Church and Blue Run Baptist Church. Then enjoy poetry readings featuring the works of African-American authors. The Gilmore Cabin is located on Rt. 20, opposite the Montpelier Main Entrance.

Montpelier Enslaved Community Tour

August 18, 1:00 p.m.

Montpelier was home to more than 100 slaves. Their work and skill helped build Montpelier. Tour the South Yard, Mr. Madison’s Temple, cellars, Mt. Pleasant, and the Slave Cemetery. Hear the stories of individual slaves, and Madison’s evolving views on slavery. Reserve your tickets online.

Montpelier Garden & Grounds Tour

August 18, 1:00 p.m.

Explore the many dimensions of Montpelier’s landscape. View champion native trees, rare flowers, unique specimen plantings, and 200 years of landscaping as the canvas on which Madison and others expressed their tastes. Reserve your tickets online.

Spend the Weekend with the Madisons

August 18, Noon–5:00 p.m.

During the hot summer months, James and Dolley Madison always left the muggy Washington weather to relax at Montpelier, their beloved Virginia estate. James and Dolley Madison will once again greet visitors at their storied home this weekend! Guests may call on Mr. or Mrs. Madison in the mansion’s south wing.

The list certainly isn’t exhaustive. There are lots of other great things to see and do at the home of the Father of the Constitution. Visitors of all ages can visit the Archaeology Lab to see some of the latest finds. Check out the Madisons’ menu at the Outdoor Cooking Demonstration or visit the Hands-on Tent to try the tools used during the Madison era.

Visit the Montpelier website to begin planning your visit today. See you this weekend!